After a hugely successful 2009/10 campaign Macclesfield RUFC are now turning their attention to League One rugby next season.

Having gained promotion with some impressive performances the Blues are preparing for life in the third tier of English rugby and the focus is now on how to strengthen an already impressive squad.

Rugby operations manager Brendan Thomas said: "We’re fairly confident that we’re ready to compete in the league above, we’ve been building towards this situation for a few seasons now and we’re more than capable of performing at the next level."

However, they will have to cope with the loss of two influential figures from last season’s promotion campaign. Flanker Dan Baines has signed a pro contract with Championship side Rotherham and full-back Rob McDermott, who has spent two seasons at Priory Park, is relocating to Hong Kong.

"Dan and Rob have been with us for a number of season and will be missed, but both move on with our best wishes," continued Thomas.

One player moving in the opposite direction is Ben Coulbeck, after two very successful seasons with Manchester and one with Rotherham, he is rejoining Macclesfield and the former England Counties and Kings School old-boy’s experience could be invaluable.

The club’s main aim will be to avoid relegation and build a foundation in National League One, operating within their means and not overspending in order to achieve unrealistic objectives that have lead to the downfall of other clubs in the area.

As for expectations for the new season Thomas was upbeat. "We’ve a number of players who have played at this level before. We have three away with England Counties and, if we add three or four new faces to the squad, we’ll be in a strong position," he added.